Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
pericardial friction rub
Grating sound heard on auscultation indicating pericardial inflammation.
Full Definition
A pericardial friction rub is a characteristic three-component scratching or grating sound heard on cardiac auscultation, caused by inflamed pericardial surfaces rubbing against each other. It typically occurs in the early postoperative period following cardiac surgery as part of postcardiotomy syndrome or acute pericarditis. The rub has systolic and diastolic components, best heard at the left sternal border with the patient leaning forward. Recognition is important for diagnosing pericardial complications requiring anti-inflammatory treatment.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguished from pleural friction rub by timing with cardiac cycle rather than respiratory cycle.
In Context
- "Physical examination revealed a pericardial friction rub on day three postoperatively." — Clinical progress note
- "The pericardial friction rub resolved with anti-inflammatory therapy." — Treatment response documentation
Also known as
pericardial rub
friction sound
Don't confuse with
heart murmur
pleural friction rub